Victoria winters are mild, but for houseplants they're a big change. From November to February the days are short, the skies are grey, and our heaters dry out the air. Most plants slow right down. A few small adjustments will get them through to spring in good shape.

1. Give them more light

• Move plants closer to windows. A spot that was too bright in July may be perfect in January. South and west windows are your best friends now.
• Clean the windows and wipe dust off leaves. It makes a real difference when light is limited.
• Consider a grow light for darker rooms or tropical plants that sulk in winter. Full-spectrum LEDs on a timer for 10–12 hours a day work well. Shop grow lights →

More in our Houseplant Lighting Guide.

2. Water less (the big one)

Less light means plants use less water. Overwatering in winter is the most common way houseplants die.

• Check the soil before every watering, not by the calendar. Water when the top few centimetres are dry (completely dry for succulents, snake plants and ZZs).
• A moisture meter takes out the guesswork, especially for big pots.
• Use room-temperature water. Cold tap water can shock tropical roots.
• Empty saucers and cache pots after watering so roots aren't sitting in water.

3. Mind the heat and the cold

• Keep plants away from heaters, baseboards, fireplaces and heat vents. Hot, dry air crisps leaf edges.
• Watch cold windows. Leaves touching single-pane glass on a frosty night can be damaged. Pull plants back a little on the coldest nights.
• Avoid drafts from doors that open often.

4. Add a little humidity

Heating dries the air, and calatheas, ferns and other tropicals feel it first (brown, crispy edges). Group plants together, set them on a tray of pebbles and water, or run a small humidifier nearby. Bathrooms and kitchens are naturally more humid.

5. Hold the fertilizer

Most plants aren't growing much, so skip regular fertilizer from about November to February and start again in spring. Gentle biostimulants like Kelpy can still be used through winter.

6. Watch for fungus gnats

Those tiny flies hovering around your plants love cool, damp soil, so they often show up in winter. Let the soil dry more between waterings, use sticky traps, and sprinkle diatomaceous earth on the dry soil surface. Check the undersides of leaves for spider mites, too. They thrive in dry, heated air. Our Houseplant Spray helps.

7. Don't panic about a few yellow leaves

It's normal for plants to drop an older leaf or two as they adjust to winter light. Wait until spring for repotting and big pruning jobs unless something is clearly wrong.

Winter bloomers to brighten things up

Some plants are at their best right now. A Christmas cactus in bloom does wonders on a grey day. See our Christmas Cactus Care guide.

Questions about a struggling plant? Bring it (or a photo) to the shop at 515 Chatham St #103. We're open 11–5, 7 days a week, and always happy to help.